Authorities investigating cause of pipeline explosion

PANOLA COUNTY — Panola County authorities are investigating what caused a natural gas pipeline explosion and fire near Batesville that forced the evacuation of 20 to 30 families.

There were no injuries or fatalities related to yesterday’s incident. Authorities allowed the fire from the ruptured Tennessee Gas Pipeline line to burn out overnight. The pipeline is located off Mississippi 6 west of the Tallahatchie River and west of Batesville.

Emergency Management Director Daniel Cole says families were moved to a community center about two miles away from the fire.

Cole says fire departments from across the county were mobilized but were released Monday night as the fire died.

Tennessee Gas personnel shut off the supply of gas feeding through the pipeline. They say gas left the pipeline would burn off.